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urban areas) expects to enjoy a recreational water amenity within urban areas and in rural areas. Under a thoughtfully presented ,program, the public can be expected to support investing in the acquisition and development of water supplies for recreation. The popularity of urban greenways along river banks and water sports in streams and reservoirs attests to the fact that recreation is emerging as one of the primary water uses in this State. Cities, water conservation districts, and water conservancy districts, as well as specially-formed recreation districts, can and should be expected to play an important role in fostering and funding such uses, as these entities continue to meet their obligations to serve more traditional uses. Counties also have a direct interest in a recreational waters program. An adequate funding source must be established. It is not sufficient to say about commercial rafting operations and water sport users: "Let them pay." The "them" is all of us who drink water and consume it for other uses yet also expect water- based recreation to be part of our Colorado lifestyle. A broad- based funding mechanism is needed. Recreational user fees and recreational equipment sales taxes could be a source of funding for a Statewide program. Funds from the Colorado Water Conservation Construction Fund and the Water Resources and Power " Development Authority might also play a part. V. INSTREAM APPROPRIATION FOR RECREATIONAL WATER USE -- THE CASE FOR A CAREFULLY DEFINED STATE PROGRAM REQUIRING ADDITIONAL STATUTORY AUTHORITY. In view of publicly held values and the economic importance of recreation to Colorado, it is time to assess how -24-